Alabama to relocate rail line with federal funds

The Federal Railroad Administration has provided the city of Sylacauga, Ala., a $1.59-million Rail Line Relocation Grant to relocate East Alabama Railway and Norfolk Southern interchange tracks away from the downtown area.

The railroads operate four trains through the area daily, resulting in road delays of 20-30 minutes for each train, disrupting local traffic patterns at critical peak hours of the day, hindering emergency responses and raising vehicle exhaust levels.

The relocation will also include upgrading track through the city of Sylacauga to improve railroad safety for heavier car loads serving industries in the city. The East Alabama Railway will contribute $858,338 toward the cost of the project.